Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the
spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect
wider communities.
Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at
high levels and are likely to continue to increase in
coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by
group A streptococcus, also continue to be
reported.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health
Security Agency (UKHSA), said:
It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and
other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If
your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from
school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has
resolved.
Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand
hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with
soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then
binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from
spreading.
Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do
have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit
healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.
Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible
groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen
good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young
children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some
cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child
vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with,
and it’s still not too late.
Eligible children include:
- those aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2022
- all primary school-aged children
- some secondary school-aged children
You can get more information getting
your child vaccinated against flu on NHS.UK.
